Dynamic Load Plate Test
Dynamic Load Plate Test - the doing yourself compaction test
Dynamic load plate test device TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS is the most intelligent Light Falling Weight Deflectometer in the world and operating via Bluetooth and smartphone-app for iPhone and Android.
TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS revolutionises the dynamic load plate test of load bearing capacity because it is the world´s first LWD which operates wirelessly. Measurements are transmitted via Bluetooth from load plate to measuring computer or smartphone. This is a huge advantage on the construction site because the measuring computer does not have to be put next to the mechanics, operating via APP you do not need electronics box anymore.
As the first manufacturer in the world TERRATEST® offers a smartphone APP to control a Light Weight Deflectometer. TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS transfers the test data via Bluetooth® from the load plate directly to a smartphone. The advantage is obvious: during the dynamic load plate test the electronics box do no longer need to be placed next to the LWD. Thus, the user has both hands free for the handling of the device.
In permanent measuring mode the test is being controlled by the LED of the load plate, without having to handle the smartphone. The phone can comfortably remain inside the jacket when user is doing one test after the other. Measurements with the smartphone can be transmitted via email as PDF file in real time to the client or the office. Texts as client, construction site etc. can be entered via smartphone. Thanks to the camera function of the smartphone it is possible to add a photo of the test point into the protocol.
- World innovation Bluetooth:
no wire between load plate and measuring computer - World innovation iPhone and Android app:
control your LWD via smartphone - World innovation voice navigation:
audio guided step by step - NEW: WiFi for App-connection
- Weatherproof electronics box due to outside handling
- GPS system with satellite photo illustration
- Integrated printer for immediate printout
- Long-life high-performance “EVERfull” rechargeable battery for 2000 measurements / 600 printouts with full battery, quick charging cycle
- Power supply unit with USB-C
- USB drive for convenient data transfer to PC
- Internal memory for automatic test storage
- PC software “TEOLO” for data analysis
- 1 year manufacturer’s warranty
Dynamic load plate test quick and easy
Dynamic plate load test is a reliable test to avoid damage in earthworks, road construction and civil engineering. The audio-guided test is worldwide accepted. The determined dynamic deflection module Evd (according to the Technical Test Code for Soil and Rock Mechanics in Road Constructions – TP BF-StB Part B 8.3) is measured in Megapascall (MPa). It is being used in road and pipe construction as well as in earthworks, in order to judge the compaction quality of mounted layers, even while still in the construction phase. Thanks to the dynamic load plate test the executing company is able to assess the correct compaction of the ground layer by layer with their own staff. If the different layers are only being checked at the end of the earthworks, for example by using dynamic probing, extensive costs for dismounting, re-compacting and re-assembling the ground must be expected in case of poor compaction quality of the lower layers.
TERRATEST 8000 Wireless is especially suitable for compaction tests in areas that are difficult to access like utility trenches, shafts and backfills. Furthermore, tests can be performed throughout the compaction works, allowing for these to be conducted precisely and effectively. A further advantage is that the entire area, not just parts, of the construction field can be checked for a homogeneous compaction quality in a minimum of time. The test results can be evaluated and printed directly on site.
Thanks to the easy, intuitive operability of TERRATEST’s measuring devices even non-experts can perform the dynamic load plate test.
What is a Dynamic Load Plate Test?
The dynamic load plate test is a rapid testing method in accordance with TP BF-StB Part B 8.3 used to assess the load-bearing capacity of soils and rock in earthworks and road construction. The test can be performed by a single operator using a Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD).
During the test, a 10 kg drop weight is released from a defined height of approximately 71 cm onto a circular steel load plate with a diameter of 300 mm. The resulting soil deformation is measured by a sensor mounted at the center of the load plate. Based on this deformation, the measuring unit calculates the dynamic deformation modulus Evd in MPa, which is an indicator of soil stiffness and bearing capacity.
Advantages of the Dynamic Load Plate Test
Compared to the static plate load test, the dynamic load plate test offers several advantages:
- Easy operation: The test can be carried out reliably and reproducibly even by non-specialist personnel.
- Very short testing time: One measurement takes about 2 minutes, whereas the static plate load test requires around 30 minutes.
- Area-wide quality control: Due to the short testing time, many measurements can be performed in different layers, ensuring a high level of construction quality.
- Suitable for hard-to-access locations: Tests can easily be performed in trenches, narrow construction areas, and backfilled zones.
- No counterweight required: Unlike the static method, no roller or other counterweight is needed.
- No interruption of construction work: Compaction work can continue during measurements; operating rollers or other machinery do not affect the test results.
How Is the Dynamic Load Plate Test Performed?
The test is carried out using a Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) consisting of:
- a loading device with a 10 kg drop weight and guide rod,
- a circular load plate with a diameter of 300 mm, and
- a settlement measuring system, which may be a measuring computer or a smartphone with a dedicated app.
First, three preloading drops are applied, followed by three measuring drops. The drop weight is released from the upper release mechanism and strikes an impact plate, which transfers the force impulse to a spring package consisting of 17 disc springs. The impulse is then transmitted to the load plate, which must rest fully and evenly on the surface being tested.
A sensor mounted at the center of the load plate measures the vertical deflection and transmits the data to the measuring unit. The unit then calculates the dynamic deformation modulus Evd (MPa). This value represents the stiffness of the soil and therefore provides reliable information about the degree of compaction and load-bearing capacity.
TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS is ideal to check the load bearing capacity on site in less than 2 minutes without a counterweight. Construction works do not have to stop during test procedure.
Thanks to its Bluetooth technology the TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS is ideal for soil compaction tests in trench digging or other infrastructure earth works, because the test can be done even in places hard to reach.
Thanks to “CARRELLO” you do not need to carry the 35 kg device during your test trip on the construction site. A very comfortable way to perform many tests over a wide range.
TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS performs the dynamic load plate tests in a very comfortable way, using Bluetooth technology. TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS is the first LWD in the world transmitting test results wirelessly from load plate to measuring device or smartphone. This is a big advantage on site, because no cable gets in the way of your test procedure.
